If you’re on the hunt for high-end 3D printers, you can’t do better than the Lulzbot Taz 5 or the Ultimaker 2. These printers are quite on the high side in terms of cost, but are totally worth every penny. Choosing between these two great products can be an uphill task if you don’t have the necessary information needed to make the proper choice. This is where our Lulzbot Taz 5 vs Ultimaker 2 comparison article comes in. On this page, you would find everything you need to know about these printers and as such, be able to choose correctly.
Lulzbot Taz 6 (The Taz 6 is the newer better version) – Click here to check price
Ultimaker 2 – Click here to check price
Lulzbot Taz 5 vs Ultimaker 2 - 3d Printer Comparison
Open Source Design
Lulzbot Taz 6 – New and Improved!
It should be noted that both the Lulzbot Taz 5 and the Ultimaker 2 are customizable to suit the needs of their owners, but the Taz 5 offers more in terms of customizability and its ability to be modified and upgraded.
Build Area
The Lulzbot Taz 5 boasts a huge printing area when compared to other 3D printers in the market, the Ultimaker 2 included. It has a larger build width, depth and height than the Ultimaker 2.
Extruder Design
Both printers feature a single extruder design. While the Ultimaker 2 is limited to using that extruder throughout its lifespan, the Lulzbot Taz 5’s extruder is designed to be configurable and upgradable to several options in order to suit the various needs of its users. In other words, if down the road, the need arises to use two materials or print with two colors at the same time, the Taz 5 can be perfectly upgraded to a dual extruder design. This dual extruder compatibility of the Lulzbot Taz 5 gives it a deserved edge over the Ultimaker 2.
Printing Speed and Quality
Ultimaker 2
The Ultimaker 2 is designed with a higher printing speed than the Lulzbot Taz 5. Printers with high speeds usually produce low quality prints at such speeds and give better print quality at lower speeds. The Ultimaker 2 is no exception to this pattern, and this has led to quite a few criticisms from users.
The Lulzbot Taz 5 is capable of printing very fast, though not as fast as the Ultimaker 2. In return, its print quality and accuracy are far superior to that of the Ultimaker printer.
Supported Printing Filaments
The Ultimaker 2 works perfectly with PLA, ABS and CPE materials. The Taz 5 offers users a wider range of filament choices including nylon, wood-based and metal-based materials. Its open filament design makes it capable of printing PLA, ABS, Polycarbonate and several other types of printing filaments.
Several customers criticized the Ultimaker 2’s inability to produce high quality prints when a cheap or low quality filament is used. Generally, it is advisable to use filaments with good quality to get the best results obtainable with either of these 3D printers.
Printing Software
The Ultimaker 2 makes use of Ultimaker’s patented slicing software: Cura. The Cura is an open source software and as a result, allows users to upgrade their Ultimaker 2 machine and increase its versatility and options. The software has been reported by several customers as very easy to use. Although the Ultimaker Company owns the Cura software, it is actually termed a free software and as such, it is also used by the Lulzbot Taz 5 for its operation. Thus, users of the Taz 5 can also enjoy the versatility and upgradability that comes with the Cura software.
Lulzbot Taz 6 (The Taz 6 is the newer better version) – Click here to see more details
Ultimaker 2 – Click here to see more details
Setup and Maintenance
Both 3D printers are very easy to set up and install. For the Lulzbot Taz 5, changing, replacing or modifying parts can be likened to a walk in the park according to most customer reviews. Overall, both machines are easy to maintain.
Noise Level
The Ultimaker 2 is described by a large percentage of users as being quiet and precise. Between it and the Taz 5, it is the least noisy. The noise level of the Taz 5 seems to be fairly high.
SD Card and USB Connectivity
Users of both printers can enjoy wireless printing by virtue of the SD Card slot designed into the machines. An external card containing the file to be printed is inserted into the slot and via the LCD control panel, users can set the desired printing parameters as required. Both also come with a USB connection option, but while the Lulzbot Taz 5 can print files via the USB cable connected to a computer, the Ultimaker 2 uses its USB connection for firmware updates only.
Ease of Use
Pros and Cons of the Lulzbot Taz 5
Pros
- Huge print area
- High printing speed
- Extruder comes with several configuration options
- Consistent print quality
- Easy to setup and maintain
- Open source design makes it easy to customize and upgrade
Cons
- Noisy
- Quite difficult to learn
Pros and Cons of the Ultimaker 2
Pros
- Very quiet during operation
- Good print quality
- Higher printing speed
- Easy to setup and maintain
- Durable and reliable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Single extruder design
- Small build area
- Limited customizability and versatility
- Print quality varies with speed and the quality of the filament
Summary
If you are deciding between these two high-end products, it’s safe to assume that price is not so much of a factor as the quality of output, performance and durability. The Taz 5 may cost more than the Ultimaker 2 at the regular price (although a sale can change that), but the various benefits it offers would ensure you enjoy your money’s worth. Its larger build area gives you ample room to create bigger designs, its parts can be easily changed or replaced to suit your needs, and it does offer one of the best print quality one can find in 3D printers.